Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 40th birthday on Wednesday, showcasing no intention of slowing down his illustrious career as he continues to break records and dominate the beautiful game.
The Portuguese superstar recently demonstrated his enduring prowess by netting twice in Al Nassr's commanding 4-0 victory over Al Wasl in the Asian Champions League, bringing his remarkable career goal tally to 923 and securing his 700th club career win.
In a candid interview with El Chiringuito TV, Ronaldo boldly asserted his position in football history, stating, "I honestly haven't seen anyone better than me. I believe I am the most complete player that has ever existed. I do everything in football."
His journey from Sporting CP in 2002 to his current role at Al Nassr has been nothing short of extraordinary, accumulating 33 senior titles, including five Champions League crowns, with four earned during his memorable nine-year stint at Real Madrid.
"I'm so competitive that many times I forget what I've achieved as it gives me motivation to do more and be better every year," Ronaldo revealed, emphasizing his unique drive. "Somebody else in my position would have left football 10 years ago. I continue with that passion. I'm different."
Despite his age and achievements, including five Ballon d'Ors and two FIFA The Best awards, Ronaldo remains hungry for more. While acknowledging he could retire without regrets, he believes he can "continue making a difference for one or two years more."
His international career stands as a testament to his greatness, leading Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and the inaugural UEFA Nations League victory. He holds the men's record for international goals with 135 and appearances with 217, while also being the only player to feature in six European Championships, where he holds the scoring record with 14 goals.
Ronaldo's influence extends beyond the pitch, commanding an extraordinary social media presence with over one billion followers across platforms - 648 million on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook, and 114.6 million on X (formerly Twitter).
Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli praised Ronaldo's exceptional mentality, noting, "What Cristiano is doing in football, what he has done, what he will do, will remain in history. He takes care of his physique, his preparation, and the game in an obsessive way as if he were 20 years old and always wanting to prove everything to everyone."
The football icon's impact in Saudi Arabia has been immediate, setting a Saudi Pro League record with 35 goals in his first full season at Al Nassr and earning recognition as the Best Middle East Player of 2024 at the Globe Soccer Awards.
As Ronaldo contemplates the possibility of reaching 1,000 career goals, he reflects, "It would be great, but if it doesn't come, I'm already the player in history with the most goals. To score goals is the best sensation in the world and the most difficult thing in football."
